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You don't often need to remove earwax yourself. Earwax is actually beneficial! I understand this, truly. Yet—despite knowing better—there are times when I just can't resist the temptation to use a cotton swab and clean my ears. Here's what to keep in mind if you're like me and sometimes go too far in your quest for cleaner ears.
It's best not to use cotton swabs to clean your ears
There's quite a bit of confusion (or maybe deliberate ignorance) about how to properly care for our ears. We've discussed how to correctly care for your ears and earwax, with the key takeaway being that you should never stick cotton swabs into your ear.
Earwax is typically something our bodies handle without much intervention. It's not usually necessary to remove it yourself, as it's vital in protecting the outer ear from harm and infection. In fact, using cotton swabs to clean inside your ears can lead to various complications.
And yet, here we are.
What should you do if you're experiencing discomfort?
If you've disregarded medical advice and now feel pain after cleaning your ears, what steps should you take? In the short term, over-the-counter pain relief options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help. As Healthline advises, if the pain lasts more than three days, it's best to consult your doctor.
In general, you probably won't need to see a healthcare professional just to have your ears cleaned. However, earwax can sometimes accumulate or become too hard to clear on its own, even without the use of cotton swabs.
When should you consult a doctor regarding your ears?
If you experience sudden, sharp pain from using a cotton swab, this could indicate an ear injury that requires professional attention. Even if you haven’t recently used a cotton swab, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
ear discomfort
a sensation of blockage or fullness in the ears
ear discharge, such as pus or blood
fever
reduced hearing
partial hearing loss
tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
dizziness or balance issues
These signs may suggest the need for a healthcare provider to remove a buildup of earwax, or they could point to a more serious underlying condition.
The most effective approach: Cease using cotton swabs to clean your ears
Cleaning your ears can be a never-ending cycle: irritated ears produce even more wax. There's an old saying that you should never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. This is true – it's unnecessary for cleaning and can cause serious problems. If you feel the need to clean your ears manually, check out our guide for alternative methods to clean your ears (ones that don't involve sticking a cotton swab inside). And once again: consult your doctor if you experience ear pain, a feeling of blockage, or any hearing loss.
